Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Ruto said Kenya supports efforts by the United States to address the crisis.
“We also express support for America and President Trump’s intervention in the Sudan crisis, which has now escalated into a very serious humanitarian catastrophe,” Ruto stated.
He highlighted Kenya’s history of supporting peace initiatives in the region, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
The U.S. has been actively engaging diplomatically in Sudan. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with UAE officials to work toward a humanitarian ceasefire.
Earlier, Trump pledged to intervene following a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announcing his plans both at the Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, DC, and on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Ruto addressed concerns that Kenya was taking sides in the Sudan conflict, dismissing claims that his administration was involved in arms smuggling or supporting any party.
In a November interview with Al Jazeera, he said,
“Kenya is a great democracy in the region. We are the only place where people can come and meet freely. These meetings are about dialogue and peace, not taking sides.”
Ruto also emphasized that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) share responsibility for the ongoing turmoil.
The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has already resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. According to United Nations reports, at least 3,384 civilians died between January and June 2025 alone, a number expected to surpass 2024’s 4,238 deaths.
The Kenyan president compared Malaysia’s role in peace efforts in Eastern Asia to Kenya’s work in Eastern Africa, saying both countries play constructive roles in regional stability.
“Our involvement focuses on humanitarian initiatives and dialogue,” Ruto explained.
Observers note that Trump’s involvement is welcomed by regional leaders as a potential path to reducing violence and alleviating the suffering of civilians.
Ruto’s support of the U.S. intervention aligns with Kenya’s broader foreign policy, which emphasizes peace, mediation, and humanitarian assistance in conflict zones.
Kenya has hosted multiple meetings involving civil society groups, church leaders, women, and local leaders, aiming to encourage dialogue between Sudanese stakeholders.
Ruto highlighted that such initiatives are neutral, focusing on reducing human suffering and finding peaceful solutions rather than favoring any side in the conflict.
With the Sudanese conflict intensifying, international attention is growing. The U.S. plans to coordinate with other global partners, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to broker peace and secure humanitarian aid.